Prevent Dog Bites While Visiting Family and Friends Over the Holidays
Holidays are celebrated with family and friends gathering in our homes. Excited children, crowded rooms and change in routines can often lead to an increase in dog bites during the Holidays. Jennifer Shryock of Family Paws & Doggone Safe offers tips to help you and your family be Doggone Smart over the Holidays.
(PRWEB) December 23, 2004 -- Visiting family and friends is part of the
holiday season. When visiting a home with a resident dog there are some things
to take into consideration to keep things safe for all. Changes in routines,
crowded rooms, and excited children can often lead to miscommunication between
the resident dog and guests. Here are some tips to help keep everyone safe as
you visit your dog loving family and friends.
1. Fear of dogs. If you or
your child is fearful of dogs consider asking the host ahead of time if the dog
can be secured in another room or put on a leash to help ease the fear. If you
know ahead of time that this is a consideration you may bring the dog a special
gift of his own to enjoy in a designated place. Fearful responses of a child or
adult may increase the risk of a bite.
2. Supervise at all times. Even
the best family dog that loves kids may become irritated and tired during the
holidays changed routines. They may even try to communicate this by licking
their lips, turning away, moving away, yawning etc We often do not recognize
this dog language and that can lead to a more direct communication that we do
know….growl or snap. Recognizing subtle cues dogs demonstrate can make everyone
more comfortable. To become familiar with some simple doggie communication at http://www.familypaws.com/communication
3. Noisy toys.
New sounds make some dogs nervous and fearful. As the children open gifts stay
aware of the dog and its responses to the new toys.
4. Remote control
toys and fast moving hot wheels may be of interest to dogs that like a good
chase. Your dog may do better outside or in another room away from the tempting
toy for now while it is still new. This will allow your child to safely enjoy
the new gift.
5. Clean up wrapping and ribbons promptly to prevent
curious dogs or cats from ingesting these items. Ribbons can cause deadly
consequences internally.
6. Chocolate is toxic to pets.
7. Dog
toys. Dogs that normally do not guard their toys or food may be more likely to
do so with children or guests. Always leave dogs alone while enjoying toys or
treats.
8. Resting dogs need to be left alone and not approached.
Supervision is a must for small children.
9. Crowded rooms lead to more
potential for conflict. When activity level is high and there are close quarters
offer the dog another quieter space to avoid conflict.
10. Children must
be taught to respect a dog’s space. Chasing and hugging dogs is not safe.
Encourage hide and seek and fetch or other fun games that are safe. Visit www.doggonesafe.com and www.doggonecrazy.ca for more
fun ideas.
There is an increase in dog bites around the holidays due to
children being home from school and the many family gatherings. Dogs are a
wonderful part of our lives but it is our responsibility to keep them safe and
recognize that they are still animals and not people with fur. Statistics
indicate that the family dog is most often the biter. I hope that this
information helps keep some family dogs and children safer this holiday
season.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/12/prweb191275.htm